11 July 2020
Two Cristiano Ronaldo penalties saw Juventus comeback twice to ensure a 2-2 draw against Atalanta at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening. The Bergamo outfit took the lead first through Zapata and then through Malinovskyi, but a determined Bianconeri display ensured a point was earned.
ZAPATA GIVES ATALANTA FIRST-HALF LEAD
The Bianconeri were looking to bounce back from their midweek disappointment against Milan, and they welcomed back de Ligt and Dybala following their suspensions against the Rossoneri. Atalanta threatened with just six minutes on the clock when Castagne sent in a dangerous cross that saw Zapata head it over from close range. Atalanta took hold of the advantage in the 16th minute when an excellent give and go between Papu Gomez and Duvan Zapata saw the Colombian fire the ball under Szczesny. The visitors dominated possession for the remainder of the half, but Dybala tried to pull a goal back with a tight-angled drive that got pushed out for a corner. The half was wrapped up with the Argentine delivering in a dangerous cross into the box, in which Ronaldo’s diving header went wide of the target.
RONALDO FROM THE SPOT
Juventus were handed a lifeline 10 minutes after the break, when they were handed a penalty after De Roon was judged to have handled the ball. Ronaldo stood up to take the spot kick and he made no mistake by firing it past Gollini. Sarri then opted to make changes to his set-up with Danilo, Bernardeschi and Dybala making way for Alex Sandro, Douglas Costa and Higuain respectively. Atalanta, who had taken off Zapata and Papu Gomez, threatened with 15 minutes to go, with an effort by Malinovskyi that sailed just wide of the post. The game was ebbing and flowing with great pace, and Juventus were denied of taking the lead by Gollini when he brilliantly saved Ronaldo’s effort: the Portuguese flicked the ball over his marker and shot on the volley, only to have his effort palmed away.
IT ENDS 2-2
The Bergamaschi continued to look dangerous on the break, and they took the lead in the 80th minute when Muriel crossed the ball across the face of goal for Malinovskyi. And with no hesitation, he fired at goal and beat Szczesny at the near post. The Lady went pushing for a late goal and a second penalty was awarded to Juventus on the stroke of the 90 for a hand ball: Ronaldo stood up to take the spot kick and he fired it low into the bottom left corner as the game ended in a draw.
Juventus: Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci (Rugani 82’), De Ligt, Danilo (Alex Sandro 59’); Rabiot, Bentancur, Matuidi (Ramsey 82’); Bernardeschi (Douglas Costa 59’), Dybala (Higuain 67’), Ronaldo
Subs: Buffon, Pinsoglio, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Rugani, Pjanic, Ramsey, Muratore, Douglas Costa, Higuain, Olivieri
Atalanta: Gollini; Toloi, Palomino, Djimsiti; Hateboer, De Roon, Freuler, Castagne; Gomez, Ilicic; Duvan Zapata
Atalanta bench: Rossi, Sportiello, Caldara, Sutalo, Tameze, Czyborra, Muriel, Malinovskyi, Gosens, Bellanova, Pasalic, Colley
